By Ruth Marion

“Just like you, we’ve googled “sleep” in an effort to get an answer to our sleep problems, but so much of the information out there is vague and does not apply.” says Teresa Denike, founder at Sleep Better NYC in this Sleep Forum Podcast.

Denike is a board-certified clinical sleep educator, national speaker, and the founder of Sleep Better NYC.   Her expertise is in sleep apnea, sleep hygiene, and mindset for sleep and overall wellbeing.   After 14 years in healthcare sales and consulting, Teresa witnessed countless family, friends, and patients struggle through the typical pathways for sleep support. Sleep Better NYC was founded as a solution.  Sleep Better NYC provides coaching and care coordination.  They believe in a personalized, holistic approach to sleep and well-being which is why they created programs and content with a community of sleep experts.

Denike tells the audience that the main mission of Sleep Better NYC is education and support.  Denike spends the time with sleep patients that the sleep doctors don’t have.  Whether it be an oral device or a CPAP mask, Denike will work with the patient, monitor the patients compliance and also progress and interface with the sleep physician on patient’s behalf.

Sleep Better NYC is 100 percent virtual!  If a person comes to Sleep Better NYC before seeing a doctor, Sleep Better NYC can connect you with a doctor and a home sleep apnea test.  Marion asked Denike her thoughts on the home sleep tests.  “Technology is so advanced today that I would definitely recommend a home sleep test.  They are small, easy to use and accurate”.  Denike also recommends an in lab test for someone with additional health concerns besides sleep or young children.

Once diagnosed and given a prescription for a specific therapy, call Sleep Better NYC and they will answer any questions you might have, monitor your program and offer lifestyle tips to help improve your sleep.

Marion asked Denike how they help individuals who come to them with insomnia.  Denike tells Marion how they offer an on line educational tool that individuals can use at their own pace.  The module uses the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy and includes hyperlinks to sleep and behavioral health resources.

“If an individual exhibits any red flags, we immediately refer them to a therapist or psychiatrist,” says Denike.

At the end of the podcast, we had a fun conversation about sleep trackers and consumer wearables.  “They are interesting and pretty accurate but in the clinical world we hesitate because it is not accurate enough, says Denike.  Denike believes that sleep trackers can improve sleep habits as long as it does not become obsessive or cause further anxiety.  Denike recommends checking it weekly rather than daily.

To hear the podcast, please click the link below.  To reach Teresa or Sleep Better NYC, please go to www.sleepbetter.nyc or @sleepbetternyc on instagram.